Donna Damon chaired the meeting because Melissa
Yosua-Davis had a week off.

Donna welcomed Kim
Venkataraman representing the Tennis Club and Jim Gallagher representing the
GCGC.Donna reached out to Michael
Porter re: Yacht Club representation, but she hasnŐt heard back.

Discussion: There
was a general discussion re: how to send the message that Chebeague is not as
people knew it.The community
resources are being stretched. How
do we send the message without making people who still want to come to the
island feeling that we donŐt want them or are shaming them? Everyone agreed
that the message should be a fact based positive statement that explains the
reality of our situation and the fact that we are following the GovernorŐs
orders.

áDonna informed the committee that her daughter, Rachel
Damon, was coming home from Albania via a US Embassy flight, and would be
quarantining alone in David MillerŐs house.Donna described how Albania is controlling Covid 19, which
means NO ONE is allowed outside without a code and no one is allowed to drive a
car.

áMost people who have come to the island have followed
the rules to quarantine however, some have not, causing some islanders to think
that no one is. Concerns about the
pandemic have created stress in some parts of the community.

áWe want the message to be that we are one community
even if our friends and relatives cannot be with us. Messaging is so important!
If people really want to come they should but need to know the rules set forth
by the Governor.

Community Updates:

GCGC:Jim Gallagher reported that the Club is unsure what
the summer will look like.The
opening has been postponed and they are unsure when or if they will open.

áCary is coming out to work on the course in his own
boat and he and Michael Hamilton are both working at the course but not
interacting.

áJim feels based on the GovernorŐs directive, that
out-of-staters must quarantine, therefore the Club will not have out of state
day players.Jim will keep the
committee posted. Erika commended the GCGCŐs decision making.

áRevenue is an issue for the ClubŐs viability.

áThey want the course to be enjoyed but the GCGC
doesnŐt want the Club to bring Covid-19 to the island.

Communication:

Erika commented that we
needed to share good stories of folks who are doing the right thing.Bev has been telling folks who are
coming here to call the Town Office.Marjorie refers people with logistical questions to call CTC.Several people suggested registering at
the Town Office.Leila pointed out
that we have talked about this before.Perhaps we could create a ŇCompact of BehaviorÓ.No action.Leila also pointed out that businesses need to seek state
certification before reopening to make sure they are following the State Safety
Measures.

Transportation:Carol reported that CTC is
still not running the bus. The Cousins lot is full, and there are a dozen cars
in the Mellin lot.Those cars need
to be moved before the end of May.Carol is going to ask the power company again if CTC can park cars
there.They have said no once.
Contractors are coming back putting stress on the Cousins Lot.CTC has created protocols re: how the
bus will function if it goes back into operation.The State would have to ok any plan.CTC is receiving calls from folks who
want to come to the island.There
is a concern re: transporting people from out of state on the bus because of
the quarantine rules. Donna suggested that folks could park at Rt. 1 and take a
taxi or Uber or bring their car and supplies over on the barge.

áCTCŐs insurance company is no longer requiring signed
waivers.

áCTC is trying to create protocols that do not require
making its employees ŇenforcersÓ

áCTC will be going back to regular priced tickets. CTC
has lost revenue.

áPolly noted that CTC and CBL are really the
gatekeepers re: how many people can come to the island based on their social
distancing protocols.

áCarol agreed with Polly and explained that if the bus
comes back it will take fewer passengers just as the boat takes only 20
passengers, but the actual ridership is much less.This may require extra trips as more people come, and will
cost more money.She also pointed
out that the folks on CI may have concerns about the extra trips.

áCarol also reported that CTC has received a PPP grant
to help with wages.

áShe noted that John Wilkinson, the bus driver, is
shopping for islanders if they have mainland errands.He doesnŐt charge but accepts tips.

CRC: Eliza
Jane reported that the Rec CenterŐs plan are still up in the air based on State
regulations and are trying to find ways to open safely. Users must be educated to understand the
rules and be held to those standards. The Governor has discussed opening day
camps in June for Maine children and for folks who have quarantined.CRC needs more guidance.

CUMC: Polly
reported for the Church in MelissaŐs absence.The Church is doing well.Zoom meetings have brought about 25 people together each
Sunday from several states. More than 20 people used the Food Pantry last week.
Masks can be found at the Food Pantry, Post Office, and the Store.Donna noted that folks visiting the
Food Pantry need to social distance.

LIBRARY: Denise
reported that the Library is closed until further notice.Sanitation is an issue due to the
numerous surfaces.It is also
difficult to social distance. She also reported that the Hall is also closed as
well as the Health Center.They
hope that the Vet and the nurse will return in June, but it will be based on
the GovernorŐs directives and how safe the space can be made.

CIHS:Donna reported that the Museum is closed to the
public; the Committees have not been able to meet but Donna has been working on
the exhibit and some merchandise has been ordered.Opening will depend on the Governor as well as the ability of
CIHS to make the Museum safe.The
CIHS is applying for a humanities grant to help organizations that have lost
income and/or had increased expenses.

School: Ann
reported that the contractor wanted to return to finish the punch list re: the
school renovation project.3-4
workers will come to the island and use the school van that will be left for
them at the wharf.Carol mentioned
that they had called CTC, and she had asked them to car pool on the mainland
because of the lack of parking spaces at CI.Ann will explain to the workers that they should bring their
own lunch and should only go to and from the work site.

áA suggestion was made that a community statement
similar to the schools, relating to off island workers protocols, be developed.Donna suggested that the Communications
Committee might draft a statement.

áDistance learning is going well and students are
receiving 1:1 instruction in many cases.

áThe school is planning a remote 5th grade
celebration

áHope to return to the school in the fall but it will
depend on many factors

áAnn was asked if the playground could be
reopened.She replied that it
couldnŐt open now because of construction and the GovernorŐs orders.She stated that people have not
respected that the school grounds were closed.She is waiting for direction from the governor.

áLast day of school will be decided this evening
at the School Board Meeting.

Tennis: Kim noted
that the Tennis Club hadnŐt decided if or when they will open.If they donŐt open any dues paid will
be applied to 2021.

Communications:

áErika reported that the Mental Health flyer will
be posted today.Thanks to Erika
and Eliza Jane!

áLeila noted that the committee is still
struggling with how to get some messages out to the community. They are working
on FAQs but they need some more work.

áThe committee wants to include island organizationsŐ
updates.

áErika noted that short updates can be found on
Chebeague.org and ChebWeb

áThe challenge is to provide best
practices/protocols but the communications canŐt be too long or updated too
often.

áCommunication must be Chebeague relative.

Donna asked if the Committee had any requests of the Selectmen.
Bev commented only if the BOS makes stricter orders.Donna asked the group if they are ok with the GovernorŐs
orders. Jim felt the orders needed more clarity. A discussion ensued re: the
rules for Maine residents vs. those from out of state.Lelia commented that while Maine
residents can travel within Maine, they should consider the best ways to keep
themselves and others safe if they decide to come here.

Beverly revisited the idea of island testing.
Leila noted that island testing was in the exploration stage.

July 4th:
Eliza Jane reported that as of now all festivities as we knew them have been
cancelled.They are thinking of
Ňout of the boxÓ ideas. Donna suggested Ňpod picnicsÓ around the island.Photos could be taken of each picnic
and photos sent to Chip Emery to create a community video.

Memorial Day: Program
cancelled but flags will be set before the holiday.Individuals may decorate the graves as usual.

Chebeague Inn: Polly
reported that the Inn staff will be here by May 10 and will quarantine for 2
weeks. Islanders are doing the gardening. The Inn has not yet decided when they
will open for food or lodging.